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If you're looking for an unforgettable time to visit Portugal, June is the month when the country truly comes alive. From Lisbon to Porto, Braga to the coast, the streets are filled with music, colour, dancing, and the mouthwatering smell of grilled sardines. It’s all thanks to the beloved Popular Saints Festivals, a series of deeply rooted traditions that celebrate three Catholic saints, with a uniquely Portuguese twist.
This is your guide to experiencing Portugal’s most joyful, authentic, and community-driven celebration.
What Are the Popular Saints Festivals?
The Festas dos Santos Populares (Popular Saints Festivals) are dedicated to:
- Saint Anthony – Lisbon’s patron saint (June 13)
- Saint John – Most famously celebrated in Porto and Braga (June 24)
- Saint Peter – Honoured in coastal towns like Póvoa de Varzim and Sintra (June 29)
While these festivals have religious origins, they are best known today for their street parties, open-air concerts, local food, and vibrant folk traditions. The celebrations blend devotion with fun in a way that truly reflects the Portuguese spirit.
Where and How to Celebrate
Lisbon – Saint Anthony’s Festival (June 12–13)
Lisbon celebrates its beloved Santo António in style. Throughout the month, especially on the night of June 12, the city’s oldest quarters — Alfama, Bica, Mouraria, Graça — transform into festive neighbourhoods with live music, street food, dancing, and decorations.
Don’t Miss:
- The Marchas Populares on Avenida da Liberdade: a competition of parading neighbourhoods with themed costumes and choreography.
- Manjericos (small basil pots with love poems), a traditional romantic gift.
Porto – São João (June 23–24)
Porto’s São João celebration is arguably the biggest and wildest night in Portugal. On June 23, the city lights up with spontaneous barbecues, concerts, balloon lanterns floating into the sky, and fireworks over the Douro River.
Traditions include:
- Tapping people on the head with plastic hammers
- Jumping over bonfires for good luck
- Eating grilled sardines and drinking red wine
Braga – São João with Historic Roots
Though Porto’s party is the most famous, Braga is where the São João tradition began — dating back over 500 years. This northern city, rich in religious heritage, blends solemn processions with joyful popular festivities. The city centre comes alive with folklore parades, decorated arches, concerts, artisan fairs, and traditional gastronomy.
Unique features of Braga’s São João:
- The Ethnographic Parade with regional costumes and music
- Giant heads and paper mâché figures in the streets
- Cultural events in front of the stunning Sé de Braga (Cathedral)
Braga’s São João is perfect for travellers seeking both authenticity and depth of tradition, in a more intimate and charming atmosphere.
Other Fantastic Celebrations Across Portugal
- Póvoa de Varzim & Sintra – Celebrate São Pedro with sea-themed parades, beach bonfires, and fishing traditions.
- Évora, Tomar & small towns – Enjoy more local and relaxed versions of the Santos Populares, often with less tourism and more authenticity.
Eat, Drink, and Dance Like a Local
Wherever you go in June, you’ll encounter:
- Grilled sardines on bread
- Caldo verde with chouriço
- Bifanas (marinated pork sandwiches)
- Sweet treats like filhós and arroz doce
- Pimba music – lighthearted, catchy and always present
- Dancing in the streets until the early hours
It’s a sensory experience you won’t forget — and a perfect way to feel like part of the community.
Travel Tips for Festival Season
✅ Book early: June is a busy month, especially in major cities
✅ Stay in central areas: You’ll be walking a lot
✅ Dress light: Summer nights can be warm — and full of dancing
✅ Be spontaneous: Follow the music, and don’t over-plan
✅ Join a local guide: Tours during the festivals give context, comfort and insider access
Make the Most of June: What to Do in Each City
Lisbon
- Ride tram 28 through the city's historic neighbourhoods
- Visit the Santo António Museum, just steps from the cathedral where he was born
- Climb to Castelo de São Jorge for panoramic views over Alfama’s festive streets
- Explore the Fado houses in Alfama or Mouraria
- Enjoy a sunset picnic at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Porto
- Take a boat ride on the Douro River to admire the rabelo boats and city skyline
- Tour the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia
- Explore Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world
- Visit the vibrant Bolhão Market for local flavours and crafts
- Watch the São João fireworks from the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge
Braga
- Discover the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and its stunning baroque stairway
- Attend a live folklore dance performance in the city centre
- Stroll through Jardim de Santa Bárbara and the historic old town
- Visit the Braga Cathedral, one of the oldest in Portugal
- Sample local pastries like viúvas de Braga or tíbias
Coastal & Other Towns
- In Póvoa de Varzim, walk along the boardwalk and see fishermen prepare their boats for São Pedro
- In Sintra, explore Palácio da Pena or Quinta da Regaleira, then join local celebrations at night
- In Tomar, tour the Convent of Christ and see how smaller towns honour the saints with local flair
- In Évora, combine festival nights with Roman ruins, medieval streets, and Alentejo cuisine
Final Thoughts: June in Portugal Is More Than a Trip — It’s a Celebration
Visiting Portugal during the Popular Saints festivals is about more than sightseeing. It’s a time to feel part of something bigger — to dance in narrow streets, cheer on a parade, toast with locals, and fall in love with the soul of Portugal.
Whether you’re exploring the charm of Braga, the energy of Porto, or the hills of Lisbon, June offers a once-in-a-lifetime cultural immersion.
So bring your sense of adventure (and your dancing shoes)!
